THE SEA BEAST
Starring John Barrymore
MOVIE MONTHLY
March, 1926
"The Sea Beast" (Warner Brothers) does not come up to expectations, principally because its story turns out to be quite preposterous -- and John Barrymore attempts to do another Jekyll-and-Hyde. It suggests a first-rate atmosphere in its ship scenes and the detail surrounding the New Bedford wharf, but in its action it falters with incident that cannot be called real.
For instance, the young whaler is shoved off the small boat as Moby Dick, the white whale, is pursued. He is rescued -- minus his leg -- and no mention is made of the villainous act. Certainly, the hero would have had some idea that he didn't accidentally fall into the water.
There are some moments of eloquence in the picture -- particularly in a storm at sea, but most of it rings artificial because Barrymore insists upon stressing the emotions. He undergoes a complete metamorphosis when his half-brother's treachery leads him to believe his sweetheart unfaithful. And the acting is far too dramatic.
If the pruning-shears were used upon the picture to trim it
to five reels, it would carry much more suspense. As it is, it
doesn't represent itself as much of anything except a vehicle
for Barrymore to scale the emotions. The whaling episodes are
not authentic, and while the action is vigorous enough it lacks
reality and charm.